Ask Onix
Fantasy Premier League: Liverpool dominate optimal squad picks
With Liverpool riding a two-match winning streak and facing a struggling Wolves side, fantasy managers are urged to load up on Reds players for the upcoming Gameweek 20. Analysts suggest up to six Liverpool stars could feature in an ideal £100 million squad, capitalizing on their favorable fixture and red-hot form.
Key players to target
Liverpool's Hugo Ekitike, fresh off five goals in his last three appearances, is the standout captaincy pick. His lethal finishing and lack of competition for a starting spot make him a near-certainty for returns against a Wolves team that has managed just nine goals all season. Midfielder Florian Wirtz also earns a spot, having notched two assists and a defensive contribution in his past four outings while leading Liverpool in chances created (10) during that span.
Defensively, Virgil van Dijk is a must-start. Wolves have failed to score in 10 of their 17 league matches this season, including their last two, making this one of the safest clean-sheet opportunities on the slate. The Dutch center-back's reliability and leadership at the back further solidify his case.
Budget-friendly alternatives
For managers needing to free up funds, Sunderland's Omar Alderete (£4m) offers a high-floor option. The defender has anchored a Sunderland backline that has kept three consecutive clean sheets, and his defensive contributions make him a dependable pick against a Leeds side showing improved attacking form.
Burnley goalkeeper Martin Dubravka (£4m) is another cost-effective choice. Everton, his opponents, have struggled for consistency this season, and Dubravka's shot-stopping ability could yield points in a matchup where clean sheets are plausible.
Midfield and forward picks
Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers (£7.2m) continues to impress, amassing 30 points in his last two games. His knack for scoring from tight angles and Villa's recent success at Chelsea-where they've won two of their last three visits-make him a compelling differential.
Manchester United's Mason Mount (£5.9m) steps into the spotlight with Bruno Fernandes sidelined. United boast the league's highest expected goals (xG) over the past three matches (8.78), and Mount is poised to inherit Fernandes' creative duties, particularly on set pieces. A home game against Newcastle, who have won just once in their last seven away matches, adds to his appeal.
Captaincy dilemma
While Erling Haaland (£15.1m) remains the default captain for many, his tough away fixture at Nottingham Forest tilts the scales toward Ekitike. Haaland's 32-point haul last week underscores his ceiling, but Wolves' defensive frailties present a more exploitable opportunity for Liverpool's talisman.
Squad construction and budget
The recommended squad totals £99.6m, leaving room for minor adjustments. Arsenal's defense-featuring David Raya (£6m), Jurrien Timber (£6.5m), and Piero Hincapie (£5.5m)-offers another high-upside triple-up. The Gunners have conceded just three goals at home all season, and Brighton's recent goal drought (two matches without a score) makes this a prime clean-sheet setup.
West Ham's Jarrod Bowen (£7.6m) rounds out the forward line. His five goals and two assists this season place him among the top-scoring forwards, and Fulham's defensive vulnerabilities-exacerbated by Calvin Bassey's Africa Cup of Nations absence-make him a smart punt.
Expert insights and next steps
For deeper strategy discussions, BBC Sport will host a live Fantasy Premier League Q&A with expert Pras on December 26 at 16:30 GMT. Managers are encouraged to submit questions ahead of time to refine their squads before the Gameweek 20 deadline.
"Wolves' struggles make Liverpool's assets undroppable this week. Ekitike's form is too hot to ignore, and Wirtz's creativity could be the difference in a high-scoring affair."
Fantasy Premier League analyst
